HHS HealthBeat (April 15, 2009)

Smoke and Smokeless

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Most smokeless tobacco users are former or current cigarette smokers. Some think smokeless – like snuff and chewing tobacco – is less harmful and less addictive than cigarettes. Many try smokeless as a way to stop smoking.  

But a study indicates this generally doesn’t work. The research by HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA -- found 88 percent of people who tried smokeless were still smoking six months later.

SAMHSA’s James Colliver also says smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking:

[James Colliver speaks] “The use of smokeless tobacco has been associated with a wide range of health risks including various types of cancer, a number of non-cancerous oral conditions as well as nicotine addiction and dependence.”

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: April, 16 2009